Antigua and Barbuda is set to embark on a groundbreaking initiative to test two advanced Colombian road construction technologies aimed at enhancing durability and reducing maintenance costs on its highways. The pilot project, announced by Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant during a post-Cabinet press briefing, will be implemented on the Burning Flames Highway in the coming weeks. The Ministry of Works has partnered with Colombia’s Hermes Corporation to introduce two innovative methods: silicon pox soil stabilization and Asphaltria, a natural asphalt cold mix. Merchant emphasized that these technologies promise to revolutionize road construction and maintenance in the country, offering greater durability, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability compared to traditional asphalt techniques. A delegation from the Ministry of Works visited Colombia in October to evaluate the performance of these products in conditions similar to Antigua’s, particularly in areas with heavy rainfall and clay-rich soils. The silicon pox technology chemically strengthens the road base by stabilizing soil structure, while Asphaltria provides a cold-applied, long-lasting surface finish. Together, they are expected to significantly extend road lifespan and minimize the need for frequent repairs. If successful, the pilot project could lead to widespread adoption of these technologies across Antigua and Barbuda’s road network, starting with other key routes under the Ministry of Works’ ongoing rehabilitation program. Officials view this initiative as a pivotal step toward sustainable infrastructure development, aiming to deliver more resilient roads while reducing long-term public expenditure.
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Ministry of ICTs and ITU Launch Two-Day Workshop to Advance Digital Financial Services in Antigua and Barbuda
The Ministry of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs), Utilities and Energy, in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), has inaugurated a two-day workshop at the Trade Winds Hotel in Antigua and Barbuda. This event, focused on advancing digital financial services (DFS), aims to foster financial inclusion and digital transformation across the nation. The workshop has convened a diverse array of stakeholders, including government officials, technology experts, and financial institution representatives, to explore innovative strategies for leveraging digital platforms to enhance financial accessibility. Hon. Melford Nicholas, Minister of ICTs, inaugurated the event by underscoring the urgent need for digital innovation in both the public and private sectors. Cleveland Thomas, the ITU representative, highlighted the pivotal role of digital assets in promoting financial inclusion, particularly through initiatives like the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank’s D-Cash program. He emphasized that while over 2 billion adults globally remain unbanked, 1.6 billion possess mobile phones, presenting a unique opportunity to integrate them into the formal economy and drive economic growth. The workshop will delve into critical areas such as the formation of a National DFS Security Task Force, the dissemination of security standards, and a thorough evaluation of past initiatives aimed at strengthening the DFS ecosystem. Participants will collaborate to implement best practices and secure mobile payment systems. Minister Nicholas stressed the importance of adapting swiftly to the evolving digital landscape, especially in response to growing public demand. This workshop marks a significant milestone in creating an inclusive financial environment that supports vulnerable populations and bolsters regional economic development.
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Antigua and Barbuda to Import Cheaper Food from Guyana Following Talks Between PM Browne and President Ali
Antigua and Barbuda has announced plans to import fruits, vegetables, and other food products from Guyana in a strategic move to lower supermarket prices and enhance regional food security. The decision was revealed by Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications, during a post-Cabinet press briefing on Thursday. This initiative stems from discussions between Antiguan Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Guyanese President Irfaan Ali during the COP30 meeting in Belize. The Cabinet has tasked Agriculture Minister Anthony Smith Jr. with collaborating with his Guyanese counterpart to source high-quality agricultural goods for the Antiguan market. Merchant emphasized that nearly 90% of the nation’s food imports currently originate from North America, and this new partnership aims to provide equally high-quality produce at more affordable rates. The initiative is expected to help stabilize food prices once the suspension of the Common External Tariff (CET) on essential items concludes. It also aligns with the government’s broader strategy to address the cost of living and ensure consumers continue to access affordable imports. Officials anticipate that the first shipments from Guyana could reach Antiguan supermarkets by early 2026, pending the finalization of logistics and trade agreements. This collaboration marks a significant step toward achieving CARICOM’s ’25 by 2025′ goal, which aims to reduce regional food import costs by 25% and foster stronger agricultural ties within the Caribbean Community.
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Consumers May Soon See Price Drops From Suspension Of CET on Essential Foods
In a significant move to alleviate the financial burden on households, the government has temporarily suspended the Common External Tariff (CET) on a wide range of essential food items. This decision, part of a CARICOM-wide initiative, aims to mitigate the effects of rising global food prices and provide immediate relief to consumers. Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications, announced during a post-Cabinet press briefing on Thursday that the suspension is expected to lead to noticeable price reductions within weeks. However, he cautioned that the timeline could vary depending on how quickly supermarkets deplete their existing stock, typically taking one to two months for the changes to reflect on store shelves. The Prices and Consumer Affairs Division has been tasked with monitoring compliance and reporting back to Cabinet within 30 days to ensure that the price reductions are effectively passed on to shoppers. The list of items benefiting from the tariff suspension includes fresh vegetables, fruits, potatoes, carrots, peas, legumes, canned proteins like sardines and corned beef, infant foods, cereals, and cooking oils. Merchant emphasized that the measure will be fully implemented by January 1, pending the finalization of necessary documentation. Additionally, the government is considering expanding the list of zero-rated items and introducing complementary legislation early next year to restrict sugary drinks as part of a broader healthy-living campaign. The Gaston Browne administration remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that the benefits of these policy interventions are directly felt by the people of Antigua and Barbuda, through lower prices and enhanced food security.
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Antigua Students to Participate in Groundbreaking OECS Student Census — A Global First
In a historic move, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) is set to launch the first-ever region-wide Student Census on November 11, 2025. This groundbreaking initiative will enable students from kindergarten to Form 5 across the OECS to directly influence the future of education by sharing their authentic voices and experiences. Unlike traditional surveys or samples, this census will include every student, ensuring that no child’s perspective is overlooked. Dr. Didacus Jules, Director General of the OECS, emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, ‘Transformation begins with listening. This census gives every child the chance to be heard.’ Mrs. Sisera Simon, Head of the Human and Social Division at the OECS Commission, highlighted the transformative potential of the census, noting that it will provide accurate, up-to-date data to shape policies that truly address students’ needs and aspirations. The census will also play a pivotal role in informing the new 10-Year OECS Education Sector Strategy (2027-2037), ensuring that it is grounded in the lived experiences of students. Parents, caregivers, and community members are encouraged to support the initiative by promoting student participation. The census will be conducted confidentially and securely, with all data anonymized to protect students’ privacy. By amplifying the voices of over 100,000 learners, the OECS Student Census aims to build more inclusive, equitable, and student-centered education systems across the region.
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National Clean-up Campaign Sees 13 Tons of Waste, 75 Vacant Lots Cleared
The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) launched its ‘Love Where You Live’ cleanup initiative in October, marking a significant step toward fostering cleaner and healthier communities. Spanning three weeks, the campaign focused on the Villa Area, encompassing Dickenson Bay Street, Anchorage Road, and Fort James Drive. Through meticulous efforts, the NSWMA team revitalized the neighborhood, setting a new standard for environmental stewardship.
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Ambassador Ruleta Camacho-Thomas Champions Caribbean Voices on Climate Mobility and Loss and Damage at COP30 in Brazil
At the COP30 Conference in Belém, Brazil, Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador for Climate Change, Ruleta Camacho-Thomas, delivered a compelling address at a high-level event focused on Climate Mobility and Loss and Damage. Her speech shed light on the profound and multifaceted challenges faced by Caribbean communities due to climate-induced displacement. Ambassador Camacho-Thomas emphasized that the displacement caused by climate change extends beyond physical relocation, deeply affecting mental health, community cohesion, and cultural heritage. Drawing from Antigua and Barbuda’s experience with Hurricane Irma and Jamaica’s ongoing struggles after Hurricane Melissa, she illustrated how natural disasters can rapidly dismantle the social fabric of entire populations. The Ambassador stressed the urgent need for access to the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage, a critical resource to alleviate the human, economic, and cultural toll of displacement. She asserted that climate mobility is not a distant threat but a present reality reshaping Caribbean life. Ambassador Camacho-Thomas called for a collective response that prioritizes the protection of people, culture, and dignity. Her participation at COP30 highlights Antigua and Barbuda’s leadership in advocating for climate justice, equity, and resilience, particularly for small island developing states on the global stage.
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Zonnige vrijdag, het blijft droog
This Friday begins predominantly sunny, with occasional clouds drifting in, yet the sunshine persists throughout the day. Temperatures are expected to rise to a peak of 33°C in the afternoon, accompanied by a gentle breeze from the east-southeast. As evening approaches and night falls, the skies remain mostly clear, with the wind gradually losing its intensity. Overnight, temperatures are forecasted to drop to a comfortable 23°C. The day remains entirely dry, offering ideal weather conditions for outdoor activities.
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World Diabetes Day: a growing epidemic
Santo Domingo – On World Diabetes Day, health experts across Latin America issued a compelling call for early diagnosis, enhanced patient education, and the eradication of widespread myths that obstruct effective diabetes management. With regional data revealing that 112 million adults are living with diabetes—a figure that has tripled since 1990—the condition has emerged as one of the region’s most pressing public health crises.
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Amerikaanse vliegdekschip nabij Venezuela: signaal van macht
The USS Gerald R. Ford, the United States’ most advanced aircraft carrier, is set to arrive in waters off the coast of Venezuela within days, marking a rare display of American military power in Latin America. This deployment, the first of its kind in generations, has sparked widespread speculation and concern across the region. While experts are divided on whether the carrier will launch combat missions against Venezuelan targets, its presence is widely interpreted as a strategic move to pressure authoritarian President Nicolás Maduro. Some analysts suggest the carrier’s primary role is to patrol the Caribbean and support anti-drug operations, but its sheer size and capabilities send a strong message. Elizabeth Dickinson, a senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, noted, ‘This is a clear demonstration of U.S. military might in Latin America, raising concerns not just in Venezuela but across the region.’ The deployment is part of the Trump administration’s broader campaign in South America, officially framed as an anti-drug operation. However, critics argue that the move is more about exerting political pressure on Caracas than combating drug trafficking. Bryan Clark, a former naval officer and defense analyst, emphasized that the Trump administration would not deploy the carrier without the intent to use it, suggesting potential military action if Maduro does not step down. Meanwhile, the Venezuelan government has responded with a massive mobilization of troops and civilians, preparing for potential U.S. aggression. The situation has also drawn criticism from regional leaders and human rights organizations, with Colombia temporarily halting intelligence sharing with the U.S. In contrast, Mexico has strengthened its cooperation with the U.S. in combating drug trafficking. As the USS Gerald R. Ford enters the Caribbean, analysts warn that its prolonged presence could have significant global implications.